Word
Jennifer Pohren
Care Experience Specialist
Williamsburg,VA
Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can.
Arthur Ashe
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Substitute Teacher Assistant
Williamsburg James City County Public Schools
Williamsburg, VA
09.2023 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Boosted student engagement with interactive lessons, incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities.
- Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
Vocalist
Freelancer - St. Bede's Catholic Church
Williamsburg, VA
09.2017 - Current
- Interpreted different music by making use of voice production, harmony, rhythm and melody to present characterization.
- Trained and prepared voice, using various melodies and ranges such as soprano, tenor, alto and bass.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Used printed text and musical notations to memorize musical selections and routines.
- Practiced singing exercises and studied with vocal coaches to develop voice and rehearse for upcoming roles.
- Observed choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentations.
- Achieved desired tonal and harmonic balance by communicating clearly with musicians.
Catechist Teacher
St. Bede's Catholic Church
Williamsburg, VA
09.2020 - 05.2022
- Adapted bible verses and lessons into stories and activities to help middle and high school students comprehend scriptures.
- Employed variety of instructional aids, methods and materials to provide for creative teachings, helping children grow spiritually.
- Applied teaching techniques to achieve curriculum goals within framework of church's philosophy.
Inventory Specialist
ReStore - Habitat For Humanity
Williamsburg, VA
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Worked with store employees to develop engaging and aesthetically appealing merchandise displays that drove store traffic.
- Marked stock items with identification tags, stamps, electric marking tools or other labeling equipment.
Elementary Teacher
Prince Georges County Public School System
Oxon Hill, MD
09.2003 - 06.2006
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Used learning stations to incorporate colors, shapes and textures to help students develop communication skills and build relationships.
- Liaised with other faculty and staff to monitor halls, bathrooms, playgrounds and lunchrooms.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
- Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments and assessments and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Supervised students based on licensing, administration and compliance standards to promote safe, clean and nurturing classroom environment.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Utilized study guides and interactive study tools to increase standardized test scores.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies and discipline.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings and meet learning needs.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Incorporated technology into lesson planning to create engaging, multi-dimensional lessons.
Product Expert - TurboTax Online
Omni Interactions
Williamsburg, VA
12.2024 - Current
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
Freelance Writer
Asian Fortune (DC Metro Area Newspaper)
Washington, DC
10.2001 - 10.2004
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
- Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs under deadline pressure with exciting, captivating and authentic approach.
- Provided writing support for various projects and departments.
- Researched and wrote original content for case studies, emails and newsletters.
- Wrote and edited communications within assigned beat areas.
- Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
- Conducted interviews with subject matter experts to generate topics.
- Brainstormed ideas to create useful content for clients.
- Interviewed individuals by phone, video chat and in-person to write news stories.
Piano and Voice Instructor
Home Studio And MD International Day School
Oxon Hill, MD
09.2001 - 09.2003
- Coordinated recitals and musical events to showcase student achievements.
- Gathered display materials and distributed programs for shows and performances.
- Communicated with parents regarding upcoming events and student progress.
- Established strong music foundation with students by incorporating basic music theory into weekly lessons.
- Conducted individual and group music lessons lasting from 30 to 60 minutes each.
- Maintained current knowledge of community plays, concerts and performance events to suggest student attendance.
- Developed lesson plans, selected course materials and prepared assignments.
- Played piano at school functions such as Christmas and Thanksgiving events.
- Evaluated and graded student performance, homework assignments, projects and tests.
- Introduced students to appropriate hand positioning, finger transitions and pedal use.
- Taught advanced students piano techniques such as palm muting, prepared piano and silent depression.
- Selected gifted students to perform school anthem and participate in community events.
- Communicated regularly with parents to provide information about children's progress and challenges.
- Prepared voice and piano students for showcase performances.
- Developed musical instruction with goal of end-of-term recital performance.
- Selected music from various genres for use as teaching pieces.
- Arranged lessons to accommodate each student's unique goals and interests.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Government And Politics/minor in Japanese & Music
01.1993 - 06.1996
Master of Science - Education (Curriculum, Instruction And Assessment)
09.2003 - 06.2005
Skills
Editing
Copyediting
Creative writing
Customer service
Active listening
Product knowledge
Complaint resolution
Data entry
Problem-solving
Data collection
Problem resolution
Software
Excel
Powerpoint
Publisher
Wordpress
Blogger
Pintrest
Zoom
Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Salesforce
CRM
Microsoft 365
Swift
Mobirise
Additional Information
I am currently working on writing and self-publishing romance novels. I would be interested in ghost writing opportunities as well.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Contract WorkGig WorkPart TimeFull TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceFlexible work hoursWork from home optionLanguages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary
Interests
Fitness
Road and trail running
Hiking
Cooking
Teaching voice lessons
Continuing Education - Psychology
Distance Learning Courses - CE Learning Systems (Beaverton, OR)
- Digital Mental Health for Young People: A Scoping Review of Ethical Promises and Challenges - 12/13/24 (VA Board of Counseling - 1 CE credit hour)
- Anxiety Disorders and the Medications That Treat Them - 12/13/24 (VA Board of Counseling - 1 CE credit hour)
- Emotion Disregulation and Adult ADHD - 12/13/24 (VA Board of Counseling - 1 CE credit hour)
- Somatic Language of Trauma: How Understanding the Nervous System Can Support Kids from Hard Places - 1/25/25 (VA Board of Counseling - 3 CE credit hours)
- Introduction to the EMDR Model - 1/29/25 (VA Board of Counseling - 2 CE credit hour)
Applying for Masters in Clinical Mental Health (begin Summer 2025)
Applying to graduate schools to become a licensed professional counselor,
Timeline
Product Expert - TurboTax Online - Omni Interactions
12.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher Assistant - Williamsburg James City County Public Schools
09.2023 - Current
Inventory Specialist - ReStore - Habitat For Humanity
01.2021 - 06.2021
Catechist Teacher - St. Bede's Catholic Church
09.2020 - 05.2022
Vocalist - Freelancer - St. Bede's Catholic Church
09.2017 - Current
Walden University - Master of Science, Education (Curriculum, Instruction And Assessment)
09.2003 - 06.2005
Elementary Teacher - Prince Georges County Public School System
09.2003 - 06.2006
Freelance Writer - Asian Fortune (DC Metro Area Newspaper)
10.2001 - 10.2004
Piano and Voice Instructor - Home Studio And MD International Day School
09.2001 - 09.2003
University of Maryland College Park - Bachelor of Arts, Government And Politics/minor in Japanese & Music
01.1993 - 06.1996